THE LATE SIR JAMES SIMPSON, BART. telegram announced the death of Sir James Simpson Edinburgh. Wo much deplore the I033 of ono so distinguished iu the annals of medicine. Judged by the highest standards, he was a man singularly gifted, whose name will outlive contemporary history. We desire to offer our tribute of respect to the memory of so eminent a philosopher. Pr. Simpson rose to eminence, and acquired fame and fortune, altogether by A recent
of
the force of
intellect,
love of his
profession,
and
an
unwearying
He attained to great success in practice, and was remarkable for various and versatile talent; as a lecturer, a
activity.
pathologist, an operator, a medical jurist, a statistician, a keen controversialist, a profound antiquarian, and an accomplished speaker, he Scotland.
must
be
classed amongst the Summi duces of was clear in exposition, close
In the lecture-hall ho
in argument, having that perfect mastery over abstruse that i3 only possible to minds of great grasp. In the
ward,
or
sick-room,
remarkable.
his
sagacity Law,
and
practical
subjects
hospital-
skill were very
scientific expert giving evidence, it has often been remarked both by the Bench and the Bar that ho evinced very unusual ability. His testimony ^a3 always clear, precise, dispassionate, based on vast experience, and evolved by a vigorous yet cautious intellect. Amongst books, " and in the retirement of In Courts of
as
a
microscopes,
drawings, preparations," studio, ho keenly analyzed the phenomena of Nature* pondered over her secrets with deep concentration. But
his own and
was essentially a man of action as weil as of thought* the salient feature of his character may bo said to have been that lie wu3 continually driving to apply science to really
withal he
Indeed,
practical ends.
high
He was
great
order of intellect, such
even as
very
by the side of men of a Alison, Syme, Sir Wilha01
CHOLEEA.
June 1, 1870.]
Edward Forbes, George Wilson, and last thou0h not least, the ever-to-be-laraented John Goodsir-Simpson's lifelong friend, the honored friend of all lovers of study and of truth.
Hamilton,
Deeply thoughtful and
of truly
philosophic mind, Simpson
suc-
ceeded in achieving valuable service to mankind ; the fruit of his genius thus relates not only to the medical profession, but to humanity in every country and in all time. Whoever first
Simpson's personal influence the world owes it that this anesthetic was generally introduced, and its safety fully established. It required a man to accomplish this of eminent ability and strength of character difficult task. His name must, therefore, be lastingly associated "with one of the most interesting and important facts in the history of modern research,-a matter of profound and vital interest to the world. Men, generations hence, will ask who a boon as chlorowas he to whom humanity owes so great produced chloroform in the laboratory, to
'
and we do not hesitate to say that future ages will think so much for his with gratitude and joy of one who achieved fellow-men. It has been truly written of Simpson that "his special insight into disease and his novel appliances to alleviate the sorrows of womankind, have materially aided in promoting
form;
Want of space happier social status.'/ of his many published on the subject entering works; but this is the less necessary as they are so well known to the Profession. All that he wrote was worthy of a great mind. Simpson was originally of very humble oriQin. He was never ashamed to confess this ; on the contrary, he used often Playfully to allude to the fact. Whilst scientific honors were being heaped upon him by the learned Societies and Universities of all the rich and of countries, he became the friend of of the nobles of the crowned heads. favorite land, and the a
higher
prevents
A
life and
a
our
186G. It was conferred upon him in doing no violence to the caste feelings of those of high rank and wealth to raise such a man to distinction; to the noble this could
Baronetcy
was
involve no possible forfeiture of dignity, because in no sense could Simpson be considered an inferior man. 1 he attractiveness of his character and the dignity of his genius must necessarily have secured for him a high position. Free from all arrogance, false assurance and false pride, he was ennobled by high aims. Honors and titles were, however, thoughts and to him
object
lofty
as
frivolous
bubbles,
in
of his life?the alleviation
with the
comparison of human suffering.
great We do
to imply that he was not aspiring ; it might be wrong to assert this. It was a saying with the ancient Romans that innot mean
difference to fame is a disregard of virtue. No man better knew value of such a than Sir James Simpson did the exact a heard him say: ourselves we sentiment. On one occasion "The most certain to happiness is the path of action and of
path
duty."
Whilst he
was
ever
and
ready
to show sincere kindness the rich flocked to
compassion to the meanest and poorest, him for advice from all and from time to parts of the world, time he found himself suddenly summoned from Edinburgh to the English capital by the aristocracyor, more important still, sometimes called to share with upon, if we are not mistaken, other physicians of the attainments, the highest
professional
at critical moments, and on occasions eventful in the countiy s history. Simpson introduced chloroform 23 years ago, thereby exciting the wonder and anxiously arresting the interest of mankind. He must have died at the reason to age of 59?(as we have believe,
responsibility
of
ministering
to
Royalty itself,
133
heart-disease), haying considerably extended the bounds of knowledge, and advanced both the Science and Art of Medicine and Surgery. By a remarkable appetency for bringing physical facts to bear upon life subjects, he greatly diminished the sum of human suffering. It has been stated that his recent experiments with anaesthetics seriously impaired his health, and of
human
even
We cannot know how far this
shortened his existence.
fact, there
is something very touching thought that his death was hastened, if indeed his life was not forfeited, to his devotion in the cause of alleviating the miseries of others. As far as we can learn, he experimented on himself with Hydrate of Chloral, in the eager and generous hope that he might thus still further benefit humanity;?truly a brave and devoted thing to do. Like Pliny, lost in the deadly vapours of Vesuvius, searching into the Arcana of Nature to benefit his fellow-men, Sir James Simpson, with a like highsouled motive, seems to have injured his health (if not indeed lost his life) on the chance of saving others from suffering. Those who knew him, as we did, must grieve to think that they can now no more behold that sturdy but active little frame, that broad, capacious head with loosely floating hair, that joyous smile, and that grey eye, ever twinkling with humour, which marked one of Scotland's most extraordinary men, singular alike for keen intellectualism, playful buoyancy of character, frank good humour, and a most marvellous knowledge of science, of books, and of men. Death's shadow is correct; but if it be a
in the
shrouded that animated countenance; the grave has closed over one whose name will be held in deserved honor
has
the
by
Profession; and Simpson
that Sir James
the world was
a
will
long acknowledge
true benefactor to mankind.
"Whilst demonstrations of grief and outward signs of mourning appear in Scotland, in testimony of the respect which he
now
commanded,
far away, over wide
seas, he will ever be remem-
bered by those whom he earnestly endeavoured to inspire with Peace be with a love of all that is creditable to our profession. him who did so much to alleviate the pains and trials of the
taught us, as if by sudden enchantment or sacred spell, to re-assure the affrighted sufferer; to lull to rest both physical pain and mental agony; and to convert many an
human race; who
appalling spectacle
into a scene of almost unbreathing
quietude
and repose. May the originalities of such a practical philosopher stimulate the energies of yet living men to follow in hia track, and to extend his are
investigations,
in the
and belief that they yet more wonderful production of general
hope
but the forecast and adumbration of a
achievement?we mean,
of course, the
anaesthesia without loss of conscienciousness. Sir James Simpson's successor is as yet unknown; but wo imagine that the choice will lie between Dr. Mathews Duncan of Edinburgh, and Professor Priestley of King's College, London? both of whom were formerly his pupils and assistants.
of
the force of
intellect,
love of his
profession,
and
an
unwearying
He attained to great success in practice, and was remarkable for various and versatile talent; as a lecturer, a
activity.
pathologist, an operator, a medical jurist, a statistician, a keen controversialist, a profound antiquarian, and an accomplished speaker, he Scotland.
must
be
classed amongst the Summi duces of was clear in exposition, close
In the lecture-hall ho
in argument, having that perfect mastery over abstruse that i3 only possible to minds of great grasp. In the
ward,
or
sick-room,
remarkable.
his
sagacity Law,
and
practical
subjects
hospital-
skill were very
scientific expert giving evidence, it has often been remarked both by the Bench and the Bar that ho evinced very unusual ability. His testimony ^a3 always clear, precise, dispassionate, based on vast experience, and evolved by a vigorous yet cautious intellect. Amongst books, " and in the retirement of In Courts of
as
a
microscopes,
drawings, preparations," studio, ho keenly analyzed the phenomena of Nature* pondered over her secrets with deep concentration. But
his own and
was essentially a man of action as weil as of thought* the salient feature of his character may bo said to have been that lie wu3 continually driving to apply science to really
withal he
Indeed,
practical ends.
high
He was
great
order of intellect, such
even as
very
by the side of men of a Alison, Syme, Sir Wilha01
CHOLEEA.
June 1, 1870.]
Edward Forbes, George Wilson, and last thou0h not least, the ever-to-be-laraented John Goodsir-Simpson's lifelong friend, the honored friend of all lovers of study and of truth.
Hamilton,
Deeply thoughtful and
of truly
philosophic mind, Simpson
suc-
ceeded in achieving valuable service to mankind ; the fruit of his genius thus relates not only to the medical profession, but to humanity in every country and in all time. Whoever first
Simpson's personal influence the world owes it that this anesthetic was generally introduced, and its safety fully established. It required a man to accomplish this of eminent ability and strength of character difficult task. His name must, therefore, be lastingly associated "with one of the most interesting and important facts in the history of modern research,-a matter of profound and vital interest to the world. Men, generations hence, will ask who a boon as chlorowas he to whom humanity owes so great produced chloroform in the laboratory, to
'
and we do not hesitate to say that future ages will think so much for his with gratitude and joy of one who achieved fellow-men. It has been truly written of Simpson that "his special insight into disease and his novel appliances to alleviate the sorrows of womankind, have materially aided in promoting
form;
Want of space happier social status.'/ of his many published on the subject entering works; but this is the less necessary as they are so well known to the Profession. All that he wrote was worthy of a great mind. Simpson was originally of very humble oriQin. He was never ashamed to confess this ; on the contrary, he used often Playfully to allude to the fact. Whilst scientific honors were being heaped upon him by the learned Societies and Universities of all the rich and of countries, he became the friend of of the nobles of the crowned heads. favorite land, and the a
higher
prevents
A
life and
a
our
186G. It was conferred upon him in doing no violence to the caste feelings of those of high rank and wealth to raise such a man to distinction; to the noble this could
Baronetcy
was
involve no possible forfeiture of dignity, because in no sense could Simpson be considered an inferior man. 1 he attractiveness of his character and the dignity of his genius must necessarily have secured for him a high position. Free from all arrogance, false assurance and false pride, he was ennobled by high aims. Honors and titles were, however, thoughts and to him
object
lofty
as
frivolous
bubbles,
in
of his life?the alleviation
with the
comparison of human suffering.
great We do
to imply that he was not aspiring ; it might be wrong to assert this. It was a saying with the ancient Romans that innot mean
difference to fame is a disregard of virtue. No man better knew value of such a than Sir James Simpson did the exact a heard him say: ourselves we sentiment. On one occasion "The most certain to happiness is the path of action and of
path
duty."
Whilst he
was
ever
and
ready
to show sincere kindness the rich flocked to
compassion to the meanest and poorest, him for advice from all and from time to parts of the world, time he found himself suddenly summoned from Edinburgh to the English capital by the aristocracyor, more important still, sometimes called to share with upon, if we are not mistaken, other physicians of the attainments, the highest
professional
at critical moments, and on occasions eventful in the countiy s history. Simpson introduced chloroform 23 years ago, thereby exciting the wonder and anxiously arresting the interest of mankind. He must have died at the reason to age of 59?(as we have believe,
responsibility
of
ministering
to
Royalty itself,
133
heart-disease), haying considerably extended the bounds of knowledge, and advanced both the Science and Art of Medicine and Surgery. By a remarkable appetency for bringing physical facts to bear upon life subjects, he greatly diminished the sum of human suffering. It has been stated that his recent experiments with anaesthetics seriously impaired his health, and of
human
even
We cannot know how far this
shortened his existence.
fact, there
is something very touching thought that his death was hastened, if indeed his life was not forfeited, to his devotion in the cause of alleviating the miseries of others. As far as we can learn, he experimented on himself with Hydrate of Chloral, in the eager and generous hope that he might thus still further benefit humanity;?truly a brave and devoted thing to do. Like Pliny, lost in the deadly vapours of Vesuvius, searching into the Arcana of Nature to benefit his fellow-men, Sir James Simpson, with a like highsouled motive, seems to have injured his health (if not indeed lost his life) on the chance of saving others from suffering. Those who knew him, as we did, must grieve to think that they can now no more behold that sturdy but active little frame, that broad, capacious head with loosely floating hair, that joyous smile, and that grey eye, ever twinkling with humour, which marked one of Scotland's most extraordinary men, singular alike for keen intellectualism, playful buoyancy of character, frank good humour, and a most marvellous knowledge of science, of books, and of men. Death's shadow is correct; but if it be a
in the
shrouded that animated countenance; the grave has closed over one whose name will be held in deserved honor
has
the
by
Profession; and Simpson
that Sir James
the world was
a
will
long acknowledge
true benefactor to mankind.
"Whilst demonstrations of grief and outward signs of mourning appear in Scotland, in testimony of the respect which he
now
commanded,
far away, over wide
seas, he will ever be remem-
bered by those whom he earnestly endeavoured to inspire with Peace be with a love of all that is creditable to our profession. him who did so much to alleviate the pains and trials of the
taught us, as if by sudden enchantment or sacred spell, to re-assure the affrighted sufferer; to lull to rest both physical pain and mental agony; and to convert many an
human race; who
appalling spectacle
into a scene of almost unbreathing
quietude
and repose. May the originalities of such a practical philosopher stimulate the energies of yet living men to follow in hia track, and to extend his are
investigations,
in the
and belief that they yet more wonderful production of general
hope
but the forecast and adumbration of a
achievement?we mean,
of course, the
anaesthesia without loss of conscienciousness. Sir James Simpson's successor is as yet unknown; but wo imagine that the choice will lie between Dr. Mathews Duncan of Edinburgh, and Professor Priestley of King's College, London? both of whom were formerly his pupils and assistants.
